EMDR and Neurodivergence
Continuing our therapeutic approaches series, this time we're looking at EMDR, an approach that works quite differently to the other approaches we've covered so far and might sound a little different if it's your first time hearing about it!
What is EMDR
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It was developed in the late 1980s by Dr Francine Shapiro, and is an evidence-based approach aimed at reducing the distress linked to traumatic memories. Rather than relying primarily on talking through an experience in detail, EMDR uses eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help people process and integrate traumatic experiences.
EMDR can be particularly helpful for people experiencing PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related conditions, as well as those who've been through significant life stressors or who feel like certain memories remain unresolved and continue to impact their daily life.
How Does EMDR Actually Work?
EMDR therapy follows an eight-phase framework, and don't worry, you won't start with processing the memory in your first session!
EMDR sessions include:
getting to know your history and building safety
identifying a target memory or experience
using bilateral stimulation
checking in with body sensations and emotions
grounding and closing the session safely
What is bilateral stimulation?
Bilateral stimulation is a gentle, back-and-forth movement, such as eye movements, tapping, or sound. This process helps reduce the emotional intensity attached to the memory, allowing it to be reprocessed and properly integrated.
The basic theory behind EMDR is that when something overwhelming happens, the brain doesn't always fully process it at the time, but instead, the experience can get "stuck," and can continue to feel distressing even after sigificant time has passed. Bilateral stimulation helps the brain and body safely finish processing what couldn't be processed before.
Over time, many people find these memories start to feel less intense, more like something that happened in the past, rather than something that's still happening right now.
Who Can EMDR Help?
EMDR tends to be especially useful for people whose trauma or significant experiences are impacting their daily life. Research supports EMDR as an effective approach for supporting those with PTSD and other trauma-related conditions, reprocessing traumatic memories so that distress reduces over time, while self-esteem and emotional wellbeing improve.
Trauma and Neurodivergence
We know that trauma is common among both neurodivergent and neurotypical people, with estimates that around 75% of adults in Australia will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, and approximately 11% will meet criteria for PTSD at some point (ABS, 2022).
Research also shows that Autistic people and ADHDers face a significantly higher risk of both experiencing traumatic events and developing PTSD. This increased vulnerability is linked to higher rates of victimisation, social exclusion, and chronic stress, as well as differences in how experiences are perceived and processed.
EMDR can work well for neurodivergent clients, for a few reasons:
It doesn't rely heavily on verbal storytelling as there's no need to describe every detail of what happened.
It's structured and predictable.
It's sensory-friendly and flexible. You can choose eye movements, tapping, or sounds, for stimulation, and you're able to take breaks whenever you need them.
Can EMDR Be Done via Telehealth?
Yes! Research shows that EMDR delivered via telehealth can be just as effective as in person therapy. This can be especially helpful for neurodivergent clients who feel more regulated and comfortable processing difficult experiences in their own environment, rather than an unfamiliar clinic space.
Finding the Right Approach for You
EMDR is one evidence-based approach among several, but it may be worth exploring if you related to any of the information in this post.
At Very Helpful Chats, our clinicians draw from a range of evidence-based modalities and tailor their approach to your individual needs and goals, rather than fitting you into a single framework.
If EMDR's sensory-friendly, less verbally demanding approach sounds like something that could work for you, reach out to chat with us today about how we might be able to support you.
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